If you’re still wondering why the Libertarian Party struggles to gain traction in mainstream politics, look no further than the latest controversy stirred up by its New Hampshire affiliate. The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire (LPNH) decided to wade into the political mud pit once again, tweeting a tasteless and highly inappropriate remark about Vice President Kamala Harris. This is not a simple matter of free speech or edgy commentary—it’s a glaring example of immaturity and unprofessionalism that only serves to further delegitimize a movement that should be standing for principled, adult debate.
To be blunt, praising or even subtly encouraging harm against a sitting Vice President—or anyone, for that matter—is not just reckless, it’s irresponsible and childish. Politics is already rife with division, with emotions running high on every side. The Libertarian Party, with its core values of individual liberty and non-aggression, should be a beacon of rational discourse and reasoned debate. Instead, LPNH’s tweet achieves the opposite: it throws gasoline on a fire that’s already burning too brightly. We should be seeking to elevate political discourse, not drag it down into the gutter.
It’s incidents like this that make it nearly impossible for many to take the Libertarian Party seriously. And let’s be clear, this isn’t an isolated incident; it’s part of a pattern. From provocative tweets to incendiary public statements, LPNH has become notorious for crossing lines that shouldn’t even need to be defined. They seem to relish controversy for controversy’s sake, mistaking shock value for principled stands. In doing so, they alienate potential supporters and squander opportunities to present libertarianism as a viable political philosophy grounded in reason and respect for others.
The Libertarian Party is supposed to offer a genuine alternative to the polarized two-party system. Yet, when branches like LPNH engage in antics that mirror the very divisiveness they claim to oppose, they not only betray libertarian principles but also make the entire movement look like a circus act. It’s not about avoiding controversy; it’s about choosing the right battles to fight. Critiquing the policies and actions of Vice President Harris is fair game, but wishing or encouraging harm upon her is not only immoral—it’s political suicide.
This is precisely why I had to leave the Libertarian Party. The party has always held a special place in my heart. Its principles of limited government, personal freedom, and non-intervention resonate deeply with me. But the persistent pattern of self-sabotage exhibited by various affiliates has made it clear that the party is not ready for prime time. We should be above this pettiness. We should be acting like grown-ups, advocating for liberty with maturity and decency. Instead, time and again, we find ourselves explaining away the latest PR disaster sparked by some rogue state affiliate. How can we expect to be taken seriously as champions of liberty when we can’t even conduct ourselves with basic decorum?
It’s one thing to be provocative in the name of challenging the status quo, but it’s another thing entirely to be deliberately incendiary in a way that undermines the core message. For too long, the Libertarian Party has been plagued by internal squabbles, purity tests, and, frankly, childish behavior. The result? A party that, despite its potential, remains on the fringes, dismissed by many as a collection of contrarians rather than a serious political force.
We need to get back to basics. The Libertarian Party should stand for reasoned, adult debate. We should be making compelling arguments for why individual liberty and limited government lead to a more prosperous and just society. We should be reaching out to disaffected voters from both major parties who are tired of the bickering and tribalism. Instead, with stunts like this tweet, we alienate those very people. We come off not as a serious alternative but as a parody of what a political movement should be.
Let’s be clear: politics is not a game. It’s not about who can land the sharpest insult or who can be the most controversial. It’s about people’s lives, the direction of our country, and the principles that will guide us forward. In a world already saturated with division and animosity, the last thing we need is more childish behavior masquerading as political discourse. We should be setting an example, rising above the noise, and showing that we can advocate for liberty without resorting to pettiness.
To those still in the Libertarian Party who are as frustrated as I am, I say this: It’s time to demand better. The party doesn’t need to abandon its principles to become more “mainstream,” but it does need to grow up. We can’t preach the virtues of liberty while our actions suggest we don’t even understand the basics of respectful dialogue. If the Libertarian Party truly wants to be a voice for change, it needs to start by changing its own approach to political engagement.
In the end, the LPNH tweet about Kamala Harris is more than just a poorly thought-out social media post. It’s a symptom of a larger problem within the Libertarian Party—a problem of identity, maturity, and vision. We have to ask ourselves: Do we want to be a serious movement capable of bringing about meaningful change, or are we content to be political gadflies, buzzing around the edges, making noise but little impact?
It’s time for the Libertarian Party to make a choice. We should be above this pettiness. We should be acting like grown-ups. And until that day comes, many of us who once called the party home will be forced to look elsewhere for a movement that embodies not just the principles of liberty, but also the maturity and professionalism needed to advocate for those principles effectively.
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr. | Founder/Contributor
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